Salisbury Plain is the UK"s largest military training area, measuring approximately 25 miles across and ten miles from top to toe. This area includes four towns best described as military garrisons, of which Bulford, Larkhill and Warminster exist alongside civilian settlements sharing the same name, while Tidworth has replaced two rural villages that straddled the Wiltshire-Hampshire border before the arrival of the Army. In addition the Plain is surrounded by settlements with further strong military connections, including the city of Salisbury itself. "Salisbury Plain: A Military History" examines how the military has used and developed the area since the land was first purchased towards the end of the 19th century.During both world wars this extensive tract of land was utilised by British, Commonwealth and American troops. It has seen major changes in the organisation of the Army, witnessed the testing and development of numerous weapon systems, and was the birthplace of Britain"s military aviation. The Plain was also central to the development of tankwarfare, and Larkhill has become synonymous with the Royal Artillery and generations of Gunners everywhere. At some point in their career, the vast majority of British service personnel will spend time in the area of Salisbury Plain. Its training grounds and military schools prepare our armed forces to serve in an ever-changing and increasingly volatile world. The British armed forces are respected the world over, for their training, discipline and professionalism, and quite often Salisbury Plain is where it all begins.